Trees are awe-inspiring to watch as they reach towards the sky and provide much-needed shade and shelter for people and wildlife alike. Despite their necessity in our world, they’re unfortunately not invincible. Trees can and do become sick, and in some cases become so sick they die. However, there are some signs of dying trees you can watch out for. By knowing what these are and how to recognise them, you may be able to help your tree get the treatment it deserves.
This article explores the signs and symptoms of dying and dead trees, and the risks involved if it’s not addressed. For personalised advice, contact our team at Oz Tree Services today.
How Can You Tell if a Tree is Dying?
Sometimes it’s easy to tell when a tree is dead or dying, but in many cases, it’s much less clear. Some signs and symptoms to look out for include:
1. Tree Fungus
A tree can become infected with a fungal disease through airborne spores or transmission from nearby diseased plants or trees. This typically looks like discoloured areas, a white substance that appears when bark is removed, depressed places on bark, and conk-shaped fruiting bodies or mushrooms growing on the tree or at its base.
There are many types of fungal diseases that can affect trees, depending on the tree’s species, location, and environmental conditions. Quick and accurate identification of the tree fungus is crucial to managing the tree’s health, giving it the greatest chance of recovery. However, if the damage is extensive, the tree may not be salvageable.
2. Dead Wood
While some dead branches or dead wood isn’t necessarily a sign your tree is dying, a large amount of either can be. A significant number of dead growth tips is often a sign a tree is in distress and possibly sick.
Dead wood often appears as brittle branches that break easily. As dead branches and dead trees can fall at any time, it’s important to take care of this as soon as possible to ensure everyone’s safety.
3. Tree With No Leaves
This is normal for many tree species during winter, but it’s a different story in spring and summer. If your tree has brown leaves, areas of leaves that are thinning out, or no leaves at all when the others are in full bloom, this can be a sign of a dead or diseased tree.
For deciduous trees, one of the main signs is if its leaves are clinging to it— this indicates that the branches with those leaves are diseased or dying. In most cases, a tree with no leaves outside of the depths of winter means that it’s not getting the nutrients it needs to support healthy foliage growth.
4. Yellow Leaves on Tree
Many of us love to go ‘leaf peeping’ in autumn to spot the colourful leaves falling from the trees. Yellow leaves at this time of year are normal for many tree species, so feel free to enjoy them! However, yellow leaves can signal something else outside of autumn.
Yellowing or browning of leaves at other times of the year could indicate underlying issues such as nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases. Sometimes the tree may be saved, but in other cases, it may be too sick— an arborist will be able to investigate your tree further and help you make a decision.
5. Cracks in Trees
Just like with many other signs, this can be normal to an extent. Some cracks in trees can be completely harmless! But if they go deeper than the bark and extend into the tree trunk, the tree may be sick and potentially dangerous. This is because cracks tend to weaken a tree, making it more likely to cause damage in high winds and storms.
6. Leaning Tree
When a tree naturally grows at an angle, this generally isn’t a cause for concern. Some trees are simply more likely to grow this way, and some may have grown competing with others for sunlight. On the other hand, if your tree has developed a lean that it didn’t have before, or has changed the angle it grows, this could be a sign that it’s sick.
What are the Risks of Leaving a Dead or Dying Tree Alone?
A dead or dying tree left alone poses several risks to people, nearby properties, and the environment. Some of the main concerns are:
- Safety— These trees are more likely to drop their branches or even fall over entirely. This has the possibility of injuring people, and can even lead to fatalities.
- Disease spread— If you leave a diseased tree where it is, it may spread the disease to other trees in the area.
- Property damage— Falling branches or trees can damage anything in the way, whether it’s your home, shed, or car, possibly leading to expensive repairs or insurance claims.
- Pest infestations— Dead trees often attract insects such as termites, which, if not addressed, can spread to other trees and even structures such as your home.
- Fire hazard— Bushfires are a risk all around the country, and dead or diseased trees can pose even more of a hazard to your property as they become potential fuel sources during a fire.
What Can I Do if My Tree is Diseased or Dying?
If your tree is dying, it may be salvageable. This depends on many factors and requires a thorough inspection by a professional arborist. They may be able to revive it by pruning it, as this aims to improve the tree’s health and safety. Diseased trees may be able to be revived, but this also depends on the specific circumstances. When it comes to dead trees, however, tree removal is often the best course of action to remove the risk they pose.
In any case, it’s always best to consult with an arborist to discuss your options.
Oz Tree Services: Diagnosing Tree Problems, One Tree at a Time
By keeping a regular pruning schedule during a tree’s dormant season, you have the best chance of keeping your trees alive and healthy. But if nature has had its own plans, you don’t have to simply accept your yard’s changes! At Oz Tree Services, we’re level 2 arborists with over 30 years of experience in diagnosing tree problems and providing our large range of services. Whether your tree needs to be lopped, pruned, or removed, we can help. For expert tree care in northeast Melbourne, get in touch with us today.
